Justine Lindsay made history in 2022 as the first openly transgender cheerleader in the NFL when she joined the Carolina Panthers’ TopCats squad. Her presence on the sideline was more than just athletic performance. It was a moment of visibility that resonated with trans people across the country who rarely see themselves included in professional sports.
Now Lindsay is making headlines again, but for a much more painful reason. In a recent livestream interview with GAY Magazine, she stated that she was cut from the TopCats because she is transgender. Lindsay said, “I was cut because I’m trans,” adding that she loved the organization and would have stayed if she felt she had been treated fairly.
Lindsay explained that the timing of her removal felt suspicious to her. According to her, the cut came shortly after the political climate shifted in the United States. She said, “This was right after Trump became president,” suggesting that the broader national hostility toward transgender people may have influenced decisions inside the organization. The Panthers have not issued a public response to her claims.
Lindsay emphasized that she did not want to villainize the team, but she could not ignore how the situation made her feel. She said she felt blindsided, describing the removal as “a big slap in the face to not only me but for the youth.” For many supporters, her visibility on the TopCats was proof that transgender athletes could succeed in spaces where they had long been shut out.
Her original announcement in 2022 was celebrated around the world. She wrote at the time, “This is a moment I will never forget,” and parents of transgender children reached out to her with messages of gratitude. In interviews, she spoke about wanting to inspire young trans people to believe they had a place in sports, dance, and entertainment.
This latest development is raising questions about how inclusive major sports organizations truly are once the spotlight fades. Representation in athletics often comes slowly and unevenly, and Lindsay’s experience suggests that even historic milestones do not guarantee lasting acceptance.
Lindsay has not stepped away from the public eye. She is moving into community work, pageantry, and LGBTQ advocacy while continuing to speak about the importance of visibility. She has said she still loves the sport, the fans, and the platform she gained as a TopCat, but she wants people to understand the challenges that come with being the first in any space.
For the transgender community, Lindsay’s story is a reminder that progress is rarely linear. It raises important questions about how institutions handle inclusivity and whether they support trailblazers once public enthusiasm fades. It also highlights how quickly transgender representation can be undermined when transparency and accountability are missing.
As this story continues to develop, many will be watching to see whether the Panthers respond publicly. For now, Lindsay remains clear about her message. She wants young transgender people to know that they belong and that visibility matters, even when the path forward becomes difficult.
